New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that he spoke to French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly and France has affirmed to ensure timely delivery of Rafale Aircraft despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Had a telephonic conversation with French Minister of Armed Forces, Ms Florence Parly today. We discussed matters of mutual concern including COVID-19 situation, regional security and agreed to strengthen the Bilateral Defence Cooperation between India and France,” Singh tweeted.
In a subsequent tweet, he said, “We also appreciated the efforts made by Armed Forces of India and France in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. France has affirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale Aircraft despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
We also appreciated the efforts made by Armed Forces of India and France in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. France has affirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale Aircraft despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 2, 2020
The first four Rafale fighter aircraft would start arriving in India by July-end this year from France.
India had signed a deal worth over Rs 60,000 crore with France in September 2016 for 36 Rafales to meet the emergency requirements of the Indian Air Force.
